TRIPLE TALAQ - INSTANT DIVORCE

As regards the controversy going on about the fatwa on triple talaq, I would like to say that all Muslims without any exception believe that the Holy Quran has given excellent laws about marriage, divorce, inheritance etc. which are indeed far better than the modern laws and so they should adopt them in letter and spirit.


An overwhelming majority of Muslims oppose the unilateral and instant triple divorce system and prefer the rational Quranic laws. The Ulema belonging to many schools of thought simply consider this system un-Islamic and invalid. All other Ulema also consider the instant triple system an act of the days of ignorance (Ayyamul Jahiliyya) but "occured" if it is practised even though it is not an approved system in the light of the holy Quran and Ahadees. All Ulema also say that divorce should only be the last resort and there should not be any hasty decision.

There are many books written on this subject. Moreover almost all Muslim intellectuals, including Justice V. Khalid, former judge of the Supreme court, who is also an Islamic scholar disapprove this system and consider it un-Islamic..I have discussed this with him in detail.

Islam provides laws for all situations and it is our inability to make use of them properly which often lands us in trouble and the media exploits it for its own purpose. If Muslims follow the Islamic laws in letter and spirit not only they will be benefited, but even people belonging to other faiths will come forward to follow them because of their fairness. The Islamic laws are simply rational.

Let it be clear to our non-Muslim brethren that the whole community believes so but some perverted people act differently in haste pronouncing triple divorce in one sitting when they lose their sense in anger.

The Muslim Personal Law Board should look into the problems faced by the Muslim community over issues like triple talaq and take necessary steps to make the people realise that the triple divorce is an act of the days of ignorance and Islam does not approve it.

                         V.M. Khaleelur Rahman

Read More

SIR SYED AHMED KHAN: A GREAT REFORMER OF THE COMMUNITY

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL


SIR SYED AHMED KHAN: HIS LIFE AND CONTRIBUTION

BY AZHAR MOHAMMED K, CHENNAI

INTRODUCTION

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898) was a great visionary, statesman and Muslim reformer of the 19th century, the like of whom is rare. He wanted to make the community and country progressive and take them forward on modern lines. His supreme interest was intellectual development of the people through modern education. He was the first Indian Muslim to contribute to the intellectual and institutional foundation of Muslim modernization in Southern Asia. Interest of community and country was dearer to him rather than anything else. He was successful in making the Muslims understand the importance of modern education and endeavour their best to achieve it in order to stand on their own legs and live a dignified life in accordance with Islamic thoughts.

Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal says :

‘’Mubtalaayay dard koi azu ho roti hai aankh

Kis qadar hamdard saray jism ki hoti hai aankh’’

(The eye weeps for the suffering of any and every part of the body,

How sympathetic it is to the entire organism)

To the Muslim community Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was and is like the eye which weeps for the suffering of any and every part of the body. The sufferings of the community worried him. He took an oath to reform, educate and empower the Muslim community and was successful to a great extent in implementing it despite strong opposition from a section of the Muslim community which hated the British and their language. Today we can see the products of the Aligarh Muslim University adoring in every field of activity in India and neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. They have earned a name for the community and country, thanks to the Aligarh movement.

Sir Syed’s educational caravan reached everywhere including Tamil Nadu from where I hail. It inspired and encouraged people to take to modern education by establishing educational institutions.

HIS BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD

Sir Syed was born on 17 October 1817 in Delhi. His family was highly regarded by the Mughal dynasty. His maternal grandfather Khwajah Farid was a ‘wazir’ (minister) in the court of Akbar Shah II. His paternal grandfather Syed Hadi held a ‘mansab’ of the title of Jawwad Ali Khan in the court of Alamgir II. Syed Ahmed’s father, Mir Muttaqi was also close to Akbar Shah but rejected the position and titles offered to him due to his interest in mysticism. Perhaps he abhorred the way the materialistic world functioned. He died when Syed Ahmed was about 21 years of age. Mother, Azizunnissa Begum was, however, a strong willed woman of clearly defined principles. She showed extraordinary interest in the education, character building and upbringing of her son. She was a strict and God fearing lady.

HIS EDUCATION

Sir Syed received his education under the old system prevailing at that time. He learnt to read the holy Quran under a female teacher at his home. After this, Maulvi Hamidud Din, became his private tutor. He completed a course in Persian and Arabic, and later took to the study of mathematics, which was a favourite subject of the maternal side of his family. He later took interest in medicine and studied some well-known books on the subject. At the age of 19 his formal education came to an end but he continued his studies privately. He started taking a keen interest in the literary gatherings and cultural activities of the city.

The passing away of his father left the family in financial difficulties, and after a limited education he had no option but to work for his livelihood. Starting as a clerk with the East India Company in 1938, he qualified three years later as a sub-judge and served in the judicial department at various places.

HIS VISION

The supreme interest of Sir Syed’s life was education in its widest sense. He wanted to create a scientific temperament among the Muslims of India and to make the modern knowledge of Science available to them. He championed the cause of modern education at a time when all the Indians in general and Indian Muslims in particular considered it a sin to get modern education and that too through English language. He began establishing schools, at Muradabad in 1858 and Ghazipur in 1863. A more ambitious undertaking was the foundation of the Scientific Society, which published translations of many educational texts and issued a bilingual journal in Urdu and English. It was for the use of all citizens and were jointly operated by the Hindus and Muslims. In the late 1860s there occurred some developments that were challenges to his activities. In 1867 he was transferred to Benares, a city on the Ganges with great religious significance for Hindus. At about the same time a movement started at Benares to replace Urdu, the language spoken by the Muslims, with Hindi. This movement and the attempts to substitute Hindi for Urdu publications of the Scientific Society convinced Syed that he should do something. Thus during a visit to England (1869-70) he prepared plans for a great educational institution. They were "a Muslim Cambridge." On his return he set up a committee for the purpose and also started an influential journal, Tahzib al-Akhlaq "Social Reform" for the uplift and reforms of the Muslims. A Muslim school was established at Aligarh in May 1875, and after his retirement in 1876, Sir Syed dedicated himself to make it a college. In January 1877 the Viceroy laid the foundation stone of the college. In spite of opposition to Syed’s projects, the college made rapid progress. In 1886 Syed organised the All-India Mohammadan Educational Conference, which met annually at different places to promote education and to provide the Muslims with a common platform. Syed advised the Muslims against joining active politics and to concentrate instead on education. Muslims generally followed his advice and abstained from politics. This advice is applicable even today. We have to concentrate our attention more on education for the uplift of the backward Muslim community. Many reports have clearly noted that the Muslims are educationally and economically more backward.

Throughout his life Syed Ahmed Khan showed concern with how Indian Muslims could adapt to intellectual and political change accompanying Western rule. His first mission became reinterpretation of Muslim ideology so as to reconcile tradition with Western education and science. He argued in several books on Islam that the holy Quran rested on a deep appreciation of reason and natural law and therefore did not preclude Muslim involvement in scientific methodology. These themes, mixed with a call for Muslim education, regularly appeared in his journals, the Mohammedan Social Reformer and the Aligarh Institute Gazette.

Syed Ahmed's ideas became institutionalized despite criticism from theologians. In 1862 he formed a scientific society, and 13 years later he assisted in establishing the Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which prospered and became the key intellectual center for Indian Muslims - The Aligarh Muslim University. The success of the college was largely due to his leadership and a curriculum embodying both Western and Oriental studies.

HIS CONTRIBUTION

Sir Syed’s contributions for the betterment and empowerment of the Muslims are great. His position in the judicial department left him time to be active in many fields. His career as an author in Urdu started at the age of 23. In 1847 he brought out an important book "Monuments of the Great" on the antiquities of Delhi. Even more important was his pamphlet "The Causes of the Indian Revolt". His interest in religion was also active and lifelong. He wrote on the Life of Prophet Muhammad (Sal-am) and devoted himself to write several volumes of a modernist commentary on the holy Quran. In these works he explained how the Islamic faith could go with progressive scientific and political ideas of his time.

HIS LITERARY WORKS

Sir Syed was a government civil servant and s scholar. The 1857 revolt was a turning point in his life. The following are his important works:

1) ‘’ASARUS SANADEED’’: It is an archaeological masterpiece providing a wealth of information on countless historical monuments in Delhi from the eight hundred long Muslim rule. This book was published in 1847.

2) ‘‘ASBAB-E-BAGHAWAT-E-HIND’’- (The causes of Indian Revolt) This book was published in 1859 after the 1857 revolt after witnessing the atrocities committed by the British on the inhabitants of Delhi. He saw an uncle, a cousin and an aunt dying before his eyes. He saved his mother but she died due to privations she had experienced. Muslims were the main targets of the government’s wrath.

3) THE ALIGARH INSTITUTE GAZETTE - It was an organ of the Scientific Society started in 1866. It made the people think and use their wisdom.

4) ‘’TEHZIB-UL-AKHLAQ’’ – It succeeded in making people realise the value of modern knowledge. It also gave new directions to Muslim social and political thoughts.

HIS GOLDEN SAYINGS

1) Sons (of MAO college later AMU)) shall go forth throughout the length and breath of the land to preach the message of free inquiry, of large-hearted toleration and of pure morality.

1. Acquisition of knowledge of science and technology is the only solution for the problems of Muslims.

2. Call me by whatever names you like. I will not ask you for my salvation. But please take pity of your children. Do something for them (send them to the school), lest you should have to repent (by not sending them)

3. We will remain humiliated and rejected if we do not make progress’’ (in scientific field)

4. Get rid of old and useless rituals. These rituals hinder human progress.

5. Superstition cannot be the part of Iman (faith).

6. The first requisite for the progress of a nation is the brotherhood and unity amongst sections of the society.

7. Yes the main purpose of this college (MAO) is to impart modern education to Muslims who are suffering because of lack of it but this institution is for all, Hindus and Muslims alike. Both of them need education.

8. We (Hindus and Muslims) eat the same crop, drink water from the same rivers and breathe the same air. As a matter of fact Hindus and Muslims are the two eyes of the beautiful bride that is Hindustan. Weakness of any one of them will spoil the beauty of the bride (dulhan)

9. We (Hindus and Muslim) have evolved a new language Urdu

10. I wish that youth of India should follow the example of young men and women of England who are religiously engaged in the hard work of industrial development of their country” (During the stay of Sir Syed in England).

11. Look forward, learn modern knowledge, and do not waste time in studies of old subjects of no value.

12. Ijtihad (innovation, re-interpretation with the changing times) is the need of the hour. Give up taqlid (copying and following old values).

13. Do not show the face of Islam to others; instead show your face as the follower of true Islam representing character, knowledge, tolerance and piety.

14. We should not (by remaining ignorant and illiterate) tarnish the image of our able elders.

15. All human beings are our brother and sisters. Working for their welfare is obligatory for Muslims.

16. Remember that the words Hindu and Muslim are only meant for religious distinction: otherwise all persons who reside in this country belong to one and the same nation.

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

Sir Syed's greatest achievement was his Aligarh Movement, which was nothing but an educational venture. He established schools at Muradabad in 1859 and Ghazipur in 1863. He also founded a scientific society in 1864. When Sir Syed was posted at Aligarh in 1867, he started the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental School in the city. During his visit to England in 1869, he studied the British educational system and appreciated it.

Sir Syed wanted MAO College to act as a bridge between the old and the new systems. His famous quote is that ‘’a true Muslims is one who must have the holy Quran in one hand and the science in the other’’. Today we can see the Aligarh Muslim University offering different courses like Medical, Engineering, Science, Arts, Management, Languages etc.

Sir Syed’s aim was not just to establish a college at Aligarh but he was interested in spreading education and empowerment among the people by establishing educational institutions in every nook and corner of the country. He, therefore, started an organisation called ‘’All India Muslim Educational Conference’’to achieve this goal. It motivated the Muslims to open a number of educational institutions in India.

Although the Indian Muslim community has made some good progress in the educational arena, still they have to go a long way to achieve the goal that Sir Syed visualised. Only the vision and enthusiasm of Sir Syed can help us - Muslims to improve our educational and economic conditions further. It is,therefore, incumbent for us to revive the Aligarh movement once again to make the people understand the value of modern education fully.

I take this opportunity to request the Vice-Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University to start a movement and come to the rescue of the suffering Muslim community in India. There is no point in blaming others. One feels that the main cause for our backwardness is lack of education. Education alone in the present context can empower us and nothing else. We can create a modern Islamic society only by taking Muslims to modern professional education like medical, engineering, teaching, management etc. No options or short cuts at all. God has given the eyes to see and mind to analyse. We must see what is happening around us and use our intellect to arrive at a conclusion. This is what Allah wants us to do. There is no point in toeing an outdated concept and blaming fate for every misery. Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal’s call should be taken seriously and march forward. He has said beautifully in the couplet which we read and hear quite often sometimes it echoes even in the Parliament but we do not give serious thought to it.

Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer say pahlay,

Khuda banday say khud poochay bata teri raza kya hai

(Raise your position so much that God himself may ask you ‘’tell me what is it that you want?’’). It echoes the holy Quranic strong dictate that we should endeavour to achieve his rewards. In short we must develop a scientific temper among the people as the holy Quran says in different verses. We are mainly responsible for backwardness.

Sir Syed also brought out a journal ‘Tehzibul Akhlaq’ and succeeded in infusing a new desire amongst Muslims for acquiring modern knowledge.

Sir Syed finally reached to the conclusion that lack of education was the main cause of the backwardness of the community.

Sir Syed became successful in his mission and gave a firm foundation of Aligarh College (Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College) which afterwards became Aligarh Muslim University by an act of the government. It is meant for all- Muslims as well as non-Muslim students. All live and study here in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. It has got a rich cultural heritage, which is its special and inimitable one.

The intellectuals produced in large numbers by Aligarh Muslim University served and continue to serve the country in various capacities. The first graduate of this University was the great revolutionary Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh. The late Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India and Dr. Syed Mahmood were also Aligarh educated dignitaries. The university has produced innumerable doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, poets, writers, journalists, etc.

HIS EDUCATIONAL REVOLUTION

The Aligarh movement launched by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan influenced the Muslims in the country, particularly in South India. The Souvenir brought out on the occasion of the Centenary Celebration of Ambur Muslim Educational Society on 4th September 2006 mentions as follows inter-alia:

Sir Syed organised the Mohammedan (later Muslim) Educational Conference. Its branches were established in cities and towns to report on the educational needs of the community. This conference used to meet annually at several important cities in the country and carried the message of modern education far and wide.

The 5th session of the Conference was held at Madras in 1901 and set in a brainwave all over the South. Like their brethren in other parts of the country the Muslims of the Madras presidency were also antagonistic towards the English education and therefore they were far behind their other fellow countrymen in public service. Nawab Mohsinul Mulk Mohsinud Dowla from Aligarh inspired the Conference with the saga of adventure which Sir Syed has brought into being in the North.

On 16th December 1905 the Management of the Chowk Masjid madrasa which was in existence then was taken over and later re-named as Madrasa-e-Mazharul Uloom. Janab T.Abdullah sahib visited Aligarh, observed the educational developments there and inspired by it prepared a plan for a Muslim school in Ambur meant for all religions and communities without any discrimination whatsoever. It was primarily his aim to create for young Muslims a good institution for their educational, cultural and social developments.

Many educational institutions came up in Tamil Nadu as a result of the Aligarh movement. Today by the grace of Allah there are 11 (eleven) full fledged engineering colleges and hundreds of Science and Arts Colleges, Higher Secondary and Elementary Schools in difference parts of Tamil Nadu. Many Muslim organisations like All India Islamic Foundation, Sadaq Trust, The South India Education Trust, The Muslim Educational Association of Southern India, Ambur Muslim Educational Society, Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society etc. have been playing a very important role in establishing institutions and imparting modern education to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

HIS RATIONAL APPROACH

Muslims were in the forefront in the struggle for freedom. They suffered a lot. Many Ulema (religious scholars) were hanged in Delhi and other places. Sir Syed was worried. He was of the view that Muslims should not be so vigorous in opposing the British at their own cost and ignore everything including education and government placements.

Sir Syed wanted Muslims to have friendship with the British if they want to take their due rights. He quoted the examples of other religious communities benefiting from the government. While he tried his best to convince the British that Muslims were not against them, he persuaded the Muslims repeatedly to befriend the British to achieve their goals. He also wrote many books and published journals to remove the misunderstanding between Muslims and the British by writing booklets like "Loyal Muhammadans of India" and "Cause of Indian Revolt". Sir Syed asked the Muslims of his time not to participate in politics unless and until they got modern education. He was of the view that Muslims could not succeed in the field of Western politics without knowing the system. He was invited to attend the first session of the Indian National Congress and to join the organization but he refused to accept the offer. He gave importance to the education of the Muslim community and succeeded in it. His institutions such as the College and the Muslim Educational Conference continued to influence intellectuals till this day and will continue to do so in the years to come unhindered.

CONCLUSION

1) Dr. Allama Iqbal:

‘’The real greatness of the man (Sir Syed) consists in the fact that he was the first Indian Muslim who felt the need of a fresh orientation of Islam and worked for it’’

2) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehruji:

‘’Sir Syed was an ardent reformer and he wanted to reconcile modern scientific thought with religion by rationalistic interpretations and not by attacking basic belief. He was anxious to push new education. He was in no way communally separatist. Repeatedly he emphasized that religious differences should have no political and national significance.’’

3) Mr. Inder Kumar Gujralji

‘’Sir Syed’s vision and his laborious efforts to meet the demands of challenging times are highly commendable. The dark post 1857 era was indeed hopeless and only men like Raja Mohan Roy and Sir Syed could penetrate through its thick veil to visualize the Nation’s destinies. They rightly believed that the past had its merits and its legacies were valuable but it was the future that a society was called upon to cope with.

I offer my homage to Sir Syed for his vision and courage that withstood all obstructions both from the friends and the foes.’’

This great visionary and reformer, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, whose relevance is felt even today and who will always remain green in our memory inspiring wise thoughts and absolute principles in the right Islamic thinking passed away after a brief illness on 27th March 1898 and was buried the next day in the compound of the mosque in the College. May his soul continue to live in peace.

Read More

LEATHER MARKET TRENDS AT HOME AND ABROAD

LEATHER MARKET TRENDS AT HOME AND ABROAD


V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

There is good demand for many items of leather with orders coming in from different domestic as well as overseas customers. Shoe manufacturers show interest for tanned and wet blue goat skins in upper and lining selections. As there is shortage in arrivals of these items in the Chennai market, prices are on the increase. Tanners and traders who are having stock are able to fetch higher prices but payment terms are not favourable. They have to wait at least for a month or so to get the payment. There is also increase in prices of raw hides and skins in almost all centres in the country. The hectic activities by big tanners and shoe manufacturers have made the prices go up. Many small tanners and exporters are in a fix not knowing how to operate in the market at the present juncture.

PRICE INDICATIONS

Tanned goat skins – upper, suede and lining selections are moving at around Rs. 45/-, 40/- and 30/- per sq.ft. respectively. Some better qualities and better selections are salable even at much higher prices.

Garment manufacturers show interest for high quality sheep nappa leathers at around Rs.80/- per sq.ft. whereas sheep suede leathers for shoes are salable at around Rs.70/- per sq.ft.

Erode tanners say that they have good demand for their wet blue cow hides but higher grades are not available with them to the extent the shoe manufacturers require now. This is the reason why more and more shoe units have to depend on imports for their requirements. Shoe factories in places like Ambur, Melvisharam, Ranipet, Chennai etc. are operating well and increasing their production despite some constraints.

EXPORT ORDERS

There is somewhat increased interest for goat upper and lining leathers by overseas buyers. 3/5 and 4/7 sq.ft. goat upper leathers ABC and D/E/F are quoted at around US$1.90 and 1.50 per sq.ft. respectively and 3/5 and 4/7 sq.ft. lining leathers TR1/2/3 are offered at around US$1.10/1.00/0.90 per sq.ft. respectively. Garment suedes in both goat and sheep leathers are also in good demand at prices depending on the quality and selection. While 3/5 sq.ft. goat suede leather ABC is quoted at around US$1.65, 4/7 sq.ft. goat milled leather ABC is offered at around US$1.70 per sq.ft.

But small exporters do not want to accept export orders because of the existing rigid and irrational norms for identification of finished leathers. This is the reason why activities in finished leather exports are not very much in comparison with the past.

According to reliable sources, Far East customers are showing more interest for the above items.

MEET AT AGRA 2010: A MEGA LEATHER SHOE FAIR

The Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), Agra is arranging its 4th edition of the annual Leather Footwear, Components and Technology Fair on 30th and 31st October 2010 at Kalakriti Grounds, Fatehabad Road in Agra. It was started in 2007. It is a very good and useful show, improving year by year and attracting participants from India and abroad. According to reports more and more people from Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country are showing interest to participate in it this year. It is expected that there will be some important business visitors from abroad also. The Meet is going to showcase the latest developments in footwear, footwear accessories, finished leathers, chemicals, adhesives, machinery, etc. It is proving its mettle well. As AFTEC says it will be a good platform for manufacturers, suppliers, traders and consultants from across the country to exchange ideas and business opportunities in the field of leather and footwear products. Agra is also well known for its well established footwear industry.

LINEAPELLE LEATHER FAIR

The very popular Lineapelle Leather Fair is to be held from 12th to 14th October 2010 at Bologna in Italy. It is one of the important fairs in which leather and leather products exporters are interested to participate in. It is reported that as usual many are getting ready to attend it with the hope that it will be favourable in every respect this year as the world situation is changing fast for the better.

(Indian Leather, October 2010)

Read More

AYODHYA JUDGEMENT

The nation has heaved a sigh of relief after hearing the Allahabad high court verdict on the  60 year old Ayodhya dispute. It should be welcomed by one and all as it reflects the sentiments of the people. The concerned parties should sit together and put an end to this decades long pending problem without appealing to the Supreme Court.

A member of the Muslim personal law board Mr. Kamal Farooqui has rightly said:

 "I would not like to jump to conclusions right now but there could be a mandir and a masjid existing along side in Ayodhya in the larger interest of the nation. The court has opened up some consensus for us and a chance for reconciliation," He has further said that India has become a "matured nation" and "we will move forward".

I hope that  the Muslim Personal Law Board will do the needful and see to it that no appeal is made on this issue. Let Hindus and Muslims show their brotherly gestures in constructing a temple and a mosque side by side in the Area in Ayodhya and tell the world that even a vexed problem can be solved amicably here in our country India which is well known for its secularism and unity in diversity. Everyone should try to make Ayodhya a shining example for communal harmony and peace for the happiness, progress and prosperity of the people particularly the future generation.

                                                          V.M. Khaleelur Rahman

Read More

REAL HAPPINESS OF EID

REAL HAPPINESS OF EID

BY V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Eid-ul-Fitr or Ramadan Eid is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to God after successful completion of the month-long fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and on sighting the crescent moon of the 10th month called Shawwal. Ramadan is meant for fasting, worship and charity, and also for self-introspection for the purpose of purification of one's soul and body by giving up bad and attaining good things. The Holy Quran says, "Fasting is prescribed to you as it was to those before you so that you may learn self-restraint." Fasting brings people together and creates a sense of camaraderie among them. It inculcates in them righteous conduct, to be good people and brotherhood of man by eradicating evils such as anger, greed and malice.




Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) has said, "Do not belittle even the smallest act of kindness even if it is no more than meeting your neighbour with a smiling and cheerful face. We should not consider any charity small or not worth doing. Charity, big or small, should be given in a pleasant manner without hurting the feeling of its receivers and with the thought that we are only discharging a religious duty from the wealth God has given us." According to Islam even our day-to-day acts, like being kind to others at home and outside, are charity and it makes a big difference in our relations with them.



Once when Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) was on his way to Idgah for Id prayers, he saw a poor boy about five-years-old sitting on the pavement sadly. He went near him and asked, "Why are you alone here, my dear boy?" The boy started weeping and said, "I am an orphan with nobody to care for me." The Prophet could not bear the pathetic words of the poor boy and consoled him saying, "From now on you can look to me as your father and Ayesha as your mother," and returned home with him. When his wife Ayesha fed him and dressed him well for Id prayers the Prophet lifted him on his shoulders and said, "Ayesha, this is the happiest Id for me. I experience true happiness at the happiness of this little orphan boy." He was a great benefactor of humanity and his mission right from the beginning to end was to see that every individual maintained his self-respect free from any sort of slavery.

Read More

GOOD DEMAND FOR LEATHER PRODUCTS ABROAD

GOOD DEMAND FOR LEATHER PRODUCTS ABROAD


V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

There is good demand abroad for leather products such as garments, goods and shoes but Indian manufacturers and exporters find it difficult to get their asking prices even though prices of raw and wet blue hides and skins have increased considerably in domestic as well as foreign markets due to hectic purchases made by the products sector to execute their overseas commitments on time without any delay. It is reliably learnt that good orders are available for right and reliable suppliers of these items. When contacted, a reputed shoe manufacturer said that “there is no worry for export contracts as many customers are willing to place orders but the present high raw material prices make business unworkable and we have no other go except to carry on compromising with the present situation and expecting better results in future as we cannot stop our show”

They also import quite large quantities of raw and wet blue hides and skins from abroad. Their units are doing well in almost all places in Tamil Nadu as they are determined to continue to prove their mettle as regular, reliable and quality conscious manufacturers and exporters. Of course the policy of the government is also to encourage the leather products sector.

RS.1050 CRORE STIMULUS TO EXPORTERS

The recent announcement of Rs.1050 crore stimulus by the union government to labour intensive export sectors such as handicraft, leather, handloom, silk carpets, toys, engineering items and sports goods to prevent any slowdown in production and export due to unfavourable international trends is welcomed by all. The Commerce Secretary Mr. Rahul Khullar had pointed out that the policy changes in the offing in the U.S and Europe for cutting down government expenditure, increasing exports and decreasing imports could affect future prospects of developing nations.

The sops include an additional benefit of 2% interest rate subvention for pre-shipment credit, over and above the existing 5%, extension of schemes like Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) up to June 2011 and March 2012 respectively to boost technological advancement.

The honourable minister for commerce Mr. Anand Sharma has made it clear that the announcement was because of “the fragile recovery and prevailing uncertainties” in the world markets and hoped that India would be able to achieve $200 billion target set for this fiscal as against the last year export earnings of $178.6 billion. The activities in the leather clusters show that the industry is marching forward increasing its production and export in accordance with the policy of the government.

EXPORT ORDERS SLOW IN FINISHED LEATHERS

While there are good export orders for the leather products, it cannot be said for finished leathers. There is restricted activity in it as exporters of finished leathers are unable to compete with those of leather products in procuring raw materials necessary for them. The present annual holidays in Europe can also be a reason for the slow tendency in the leather sector.

According to reliable sources, there is no much activity in finished leathers. Only some patchy business is taking place in goat upper, suede and lining leathers at almost unchanged prices even though as said above there is considerable increase in the prices of raw hides and skins. It remains to be seen what happens after the holidays are over. It is learnt that some tanners have sold their goat upper, suede and lining leathers at around US$2.00, 1.80 and 1.10 per sq.ft. respectively. This is just for the sake of indications. It is known to all that prices depend on the quality, selection etc.

GOOD DEMAND FOR TANNED AND WETBLUE SKINS

In the Chennai leather market, there is good demand for tanned and wet blue goat and sheep skins as many big shoe manufacturers are buying their requirements but their availability is limited as many tanners have either curtailed or stopped their productions due to unworkable prices now. The good demand which existed for suede leathers from the beginning of this year or so is on the wane now and export sales are reported at somewhat lower prices. Tanned goat skins in selections like A, B and C linings are in good demand at slightly higher prices depending on the quality and selection due to demand from different quarters and shortage of these skins in the market. Even in places like Erode, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Pernambut, Ranipet and many other places good demand prevailed for wet blue and crust hides and skins. As higher selections are not available in items like cow hides, shoe manufacturers have to depend on imports for it.
(VMK in Indian Leather, September 2010)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read More

AEDOL'S ICON "AMBUR TRADE CENTRE" COMES TO LIFE

AEDOL’S ICON “AMBUR TRADE CENTRE “ COMES TO LIFE


V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Ambur Trade Centre (ATC)- a three storey architecturally well designed and fully air-conditioned structure constructed with contributions from the Government of India and the industry was opened and “Ambur Open” (a two day Exhibition of Footwear Components, Accessories & Finished Leather) organized by the Ambur Economic Development Organisation Ltd (AEDOL) along with the Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) and the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) was inaugurated by Mr. K. Alauddin, Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, 24th July 2010 in a well organized and well attended glittering function held at the ATC in Ambur. It was presided over by Mr. M. Mohamed Hashim, Chairman, Indian Leather Industry Foundation.

Mr. Durai Murugan, Hon’bale Minister for Law, Courts and Prison, Government of Tamil Nadu, who was to declare open the ATC and inaugurate the exhibition, could not come as he was indisposed. He sent his good wishes for the success of the function to the organizers.

Mr. K. Alauddin in his speech asked the industry to utilize the ATC for many useful purposes for its maintenance, development of backward areas, total eradication of pollution etc. and said that “ the Government of Tamil Nadu is always ready to help it “.

As regards the demand made for an airport at Vellore, he said that “the main problem is the distance as one can come from Chennai to Vellore by car or bus in 2 hours. The flying time is half an hour but passengers have to come to the airport one hour before the flight departure time. The common man cannot afford it. The government is willing to have airports in all district headquarters, but the viability is the main problem. If the civil aviation department is willing to consider it, the government will see that the land is available for it as in other airport expansion projects “.

WELCOME ADDRESS

Earlier Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, AEDOL welcomed the gathering explaining the importance of the leather and leather products industry and the role the new Centre constructed at the cost of Rs.11.5 crore is to play for its development.

He said that there is an urgent need for the leather clusters to upgrade the existing inadequate infrastructure facility in waste water disposal/sludge disposal which are the major problems confronted by the industry here (as everywhere in the country) to maintain its pre-eminence as the largest producer of leather goods and products and to emerge as an international destination for leather industry and to achieve the norms prescribed by the pollution control authorities of the State and the Centre. This was the reason why both the Amburtec and the Vanitec joined together and formed the Ambur Economic Development Organisation Ltd. (AEDOL) to take advantage of the Government schemes to achieve the aim of zero discharge by recycling the treated water and attain all other existing environment standards including sludge disposal by secure land fill, a system patented by the Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. The Government of India sanctioned an estimate of Rs.67.33 crore with its subsidy of Rs.43.93 crore.

He further revealed that the Vellore district leather clusters manufacture a wide range of leather and leather products in accordance with International Standards providing direct employment to more than 60,000 people and indirect employment to another 30,000 people mostly from the economically weaker sections of the rural society and export to the tune of Rs.3500 crore annually and also meet a sizeable domestic demand of the country. According to him, Ambur, one of the major leather clusters in Tamil Nadu which has been recognized as “ Town of Export Excellence “ for leather products will get additional focus support and incentives for the development of the industry and infrastructure facilities for the cluster and achieve the target of doubling the current annual export of Rs.1800 crore by 2014.

As regards the Ambur Trade Centre, Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed said that the AEDOL constructed it with an estimate of Rs.11.5 crore with the government subsidy of Rs.5.9 crore to provide a world class multi purpose trade centre for the leather industry. It has got ground plus three floors in addition to an A/c shed with a total capacity of 40,000 sq.ft. and has facilities like exhibition hall, convention centre, conference hall, training and testing centre, e-readiness centre and guest rooms for the visiting entrepreneurs and overseas customers. It will provide a platform for holding international exhibitions, conferences, workshops and also testing and training services to the leather industry in the region. He thanked the State and Union governments for the huge financial support and pragmatic advice so willingly extended to all the above projects. He also thanked the CLRI and others for their unstinted co-operation and assistance.

He further pointed out, “the Ambur Open is the biggest congregation of businessmen, technocrats, entrepreneurs in the specialized leather sector as well as of a large number of participants. This event of international class in its appeal and material content provides a platform for exhibiting the capabilities of Indian leather and leather products sector and showcase its developments to the world.”

Mr. M. Mohamed Hashim delivered his presidential address praising the AEDOL Chairman for his excellent initiative and untiring endeavours in achieving the Ambur Trade Centre for the development of the industry.

Mr. Habib Hussain, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports, Mr. B.D. Bhaiya, President, IFCOMA, Mr. R.V. Gopalakrishna, President, ISF, Mr. Abdur Rahman, M.P., Mr. Gandhi, M.L.A., Mr. Basith, M.L.A and others also spoke. Mr. N. Mohamed Sayeed proposed the vote of thanks.

ISF AND IFCOMA

The first ever “ Ambur Open “ exhibition attracted 120 exhibitors from different categories such as Finished Leather, Machinery Spares, Sole, Insole, Syn.Linings, Leather Soles, Software, Testing etc. ISF and IFCOMA partnered AEDOL by conducting the 5th edition of the exhibition of Footwear Components, Accessories & Finished Leather in the Ambur Open exhibition. It was highly successful.

While Mr. P.V. Gopalakrishna, President, ISF was extremely happy that there was an overwhelming support to the fair to the extent that they could not accommodate many people by saying that that their commitment to quality, service and delivery had endeared them to the participants who, he was confident, would take part in their future fairs also as it brings good returns to participants in a very pleasant atmosphere, Mr. B.D. Bhaiya, President, IFCOMA stated that they wanted to achieve the avowed goal of firmly establishing India as the world’s most preferred destination for sourcing of leather and leather products by harnessing collective efforts by all towards this goal. He considered the Ambur Open as a right step in the direction and hoped that it would be very successful in generating genuine business interest among the national and international visitors.

Mr. C. Rajendran, IAS, Collector, Vellore district, released the book titled “History of Leather Industry in Vellore District”. He spoke about the tanneries and shoe factories in the Vellore district and stressed the need for the Zero discharge pollution control system.

SEMINARS

4 (four) seminars conducted on 1) Water Based Adhesives 2) New Developments from BASF for Leather Industry 3) Footprints in Leather and 4) Workshop on “ Building Business values with key customers” and “ Presentation on Skill Development “ were the highlights of the Ambur Open and useful to the people, particularly technicians and entrepreneurs, connected with the industry

SUGGESTION

Hotel Coffee Café was there but the absence of a good vegetarian restaurant and two or three tea/coffee kiosks was regretted by many visitors as well as participants who had bought the stalls in the fair. It is hoped that the organizers will look into this matter and do the needful during the fair next year.

APPRECIATION

The exhibitors were happy to take part in the fair at the Ambur Trade Centre which is surrounded by about 250 tanneries and shoe factories and has easy access to bus terminus and railway station.

Congratulations to Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, the active and powerful Chairman of AEDOL and those who assisted him in establishing the Ambur Trade Centre and starting the Ambur Open exhibition in association with the ISF and the IFCOMA within a short span of time and conducting it successfully to the delight of one and all.

(VMK in Indian Leather, August 2010 issue)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read More